Understanding Behaviorism 3e P - 3rd Edition by William M Baum (Paperback)

About the Book

Revised edition of the author's Understanding behaviorism, c2005.

Book Synopsis

Understanding Behaviorism is a classic textbook that explains the basis of behavior analysis and its application to human problems in a scholarly but accessible manner.

• Now in its third edition, the text has been substantially updated to include the latest developments over the last decade in behaviour analysis, evolutionary theory, and cultural evolution theory
• The only book available that explains behavior analysis and applies it to philosophical and practical problems, written by one of today's best-known and most highly respected behaviorists
• Explores ancient concepts such as purpose, language, knowledge, and thought, as well as applying behavioural thinking to contemporary social issues like freedom, democracy, and culture
• Part of the new evolutionary perspective for understanding individual behavior in general and culture in particular - culminates with practical approaches to improving the lives of all humanity

From the Back Cover

Understanding Behaviorism explains the basis of a scientific understanding of behavior and behavior analysis, and the application of a behavioral perspective to human problems, in a scholarly but accessible manner. It begins by exploring whether behavior is free or determined, relating behaviorism to pragmatism, and showing how thoughts, feelings, and other mental events may be treated scientifically. Highly respected behaviorist William Baum then introduces the basic concepts of behavior analysis, and uses them to discuss ancient topics such as purpose, knowledge, language, and thought - as well as contemporary social issues such as freedom, responsibility, government, and culture. This classic text has been substantially updated for its third edition, incorporating new developments that have occurred over the last decade.

About the Author

William M. Baum is Professor Emeritus at the University of New Hampshire and a Research Associate at University of California, Davis. He taught for seven years at Harvard University and for more than twenty years at the University of New Hampshire. He has published over one hundred journal articles. These have presented quantitative laboratory research, theoretical contributions, and philosophical contributions. His research interests include choice, cultural evolution, behavioural processes, and philosophy of behaviour.